Those who run the Ozark Food Pantry are looking to acquire a larger building so they can better meet the needs of the growing number of people seeking help through the nonprofit organization, said Carmelita Davidson, the pantry president.
“We are trying to let people know we are in need of a larger space, something with about 5,000 square feet, with a suitable parking lot,” she said.
The food pantry has operated out of a building the city of Festus owns at Sunset Park for years rent-free.
“I believe we’ve been here since about 1985,” Davidson said.
Davidson said the problem is the current pantry building offers about 2,500 square feet of space and is too small to store all the food the organization distributes. In addition, the two-level structure is not conducive to moving items in and out, particularly for her aging volunteers.
She said the pantry was one of five that received a $250,000 grant from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation late last year, and those funds can be used toward getting a bigger space.
The food pantry also is planning some fundraisers to help with the cost.
Davidson said she hopes someone will offer the pantry a good deal on a place in the Festus or Crystal City area.
“We’re not sure of a price range,” Davidson said. “I’ve still got to be able to pay for utilities, which I pay now, and maintenance for the building and the vehicles, and insurance.
“We are hoping to find something with better access.”
Davidson said the building needs to be located in an area where does not snarl traffic.
“We do not want to be on Main Street because it would create a lot of traffic problems,” she said.
Davidson said the number of people coming to the Ozark Food Pantry for assistance each week has increased significantly over the past few years.
“We need more space because of the increased need since COVID and the recession,” she said. “Before, maybe about 75 people were coming here to get food a week. Now, we’re getting close to 200, especially when it’s around holidays.”
Davidson said the pantry has three fundraisers in the works.
“We will do a car show. We have a committee to set it up. It will be a date to be determined later in the year. We don’t want to conflict with Festus and Crystal City events,” she said. “We’re also going to have a chili cook-off. Also, we’re looking into starting a GoFundMe account.”
Davidson said the Ozark Food Pantry offers help to anyone who shows up during its scheduled food distribution times, which are 11 a.m. to noon on Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays.
“Anybody may get the food,” Davidson said. “If somebody knocks on the door, I don’t send them away. Everybody gets to eat. My job is to feed them.”
Davidson said the organization also has a constant need for more volunteers.
“We’ve got about 20 volunteers,” she said. “We always look for more volunteers. I can use help as I plan my distribution all week, but especially during the distributions on Friday and Saturday. I also want people who can help Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. That’s for planning and organizing the food we need for distribution.”
Davidson spoke at a recent Festus City Council meeting about the organization’s need for more space, as well as volunteers.
Ward 2 Councilman Brian Wehner said he supports the Ozark Food Pantry and tries to spread the word about the organization’s needs.
“I’m helping to get people to volunteer,” Wehner said. “I’m going through social media.”
Davidson said anyone who wants to volunteer for the Ozark Food Panty – or who would like to donate nonperishable food for the food distributions – may learn more by visiting the pantry’s website at ozarkfoodpantry.org or the organization’s Facebook page.
“We’ve got lists of items we need,” she said.